Lisette – suffered years of phlegm, breathlessness and stomach pain

Gastric reflux is a common condition that can have a big impact on someone’s lifestyle. Symptoms include heartburn and regurgitation with sufferers often prescribed anti-reflux medication called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach, but aren’t recommended for long-term use.

Lisette Benest, 54, a trust and company administrator from Guernsey suffered for years with health issues including phlegm, breathlessness and stomach problems. Four years ago she developed acute burning pain in her stomach and began to feel really unwell. Her GP prescribed PPIs, which didn’t seem to help, despite the dosage being increased. Lisette says:

“I felt nasal and heady, rather like I was suffering from an allergy. The amount of phlegm I was producing was horrible and I was physically sick every morning. I practically stopped eating and drinking to try and avoid my symptoms.”

Lisette was diagnosed with gastric reflux and, after years of surgeries for a chronic bowel condition she’d had since birth, she didn’t want another invasive procedure. Her GP referred her to upper GI surgeon Michael Van der Bossche at Spire Hospital in Southampton where she was told about the LINX® Reflux Management System. LINX is a small flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores which is implanted, through keyhole surgery, around the weak oesophageal sphincter, just above the stomach. The magnetic attraction between the beads helps keep the weak sphincter closed to prevent reflux. After doing further research Lisette decided to go for it.

Three years on, Lisette is delighted with the results. The chronic symptoms that have plagued her for years have gone, and she is able to enjoy her life again.

“After the procedure I had no pain and could do things straight away that I hadn’t been able to do for years, like bending over or walking up hills. I also felt as though I could breathe more easily. Not only that but I’ve lost nearly three stone in weight, which I’m thrilled about, and I’m sleeping so much better. It’s been absolutely life-changing”.

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Begin your journey

Take the first steps to a reflux-free life. Contact a centre near you to find out more about the LINX® Reflux Management System and the procedure.